Wangyuh tells Centre to come open on Naga issue, raises core issues in Parliament
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 23
WARDING OFF interruptions from other politicians and requests from the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Nagaland’s sole representative to the upper house of Parliament W Wangyuh Konyak yesterday insisted that Delhi should come out with an open policy of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the demands made by the NSCNs “instead of fooling the people and the contending parties.
The Government of India is claiming that talks are progressing in a constructive manner. What is the meaning of constructive manner?” the NPF strongman questioned while noting that the result of measure of repeated extensions of ceasefire was not in sight. Stating that the length of the process of dialogue has given rise to doubts in the minds of the public, Wangyuh said, “It gives an impression that the dialogue is not meant for political settlement but to kill time.”
The MP was speaking during the Lok Sabha’s motion of thanks on the President’s Address. His speech was made available today. Attention was drawn to para 44 on page 14 of the President’s Address where an announcement for the welfare of the North-East has been made. “The second sentence in that paragraph says ‘Almost Rs 10,000 crore of investment…’ Why is it ‘almost’?”
Further, Wangyuh voiced displeasure over the non-inclusion of infrastructure and projects for Nagaland. He was happy that the centre “is realizing only now” that road communication is the launch pad for economic development of the region. “However, according to the speech of the honorable President of India, it is only under consideration which means that this cannot be included in the 2006-2007 Budget.”
All formalities towards the construction of the Dimapur to Kohima four-lane highway have been completed. But the work is yet to begin due to non-floating of tenders. Wangyuh appealed to the Union Government to immediately start the works.
For quick-paced development of the region, the legislator had this to say: “While streamlining and reviewing, I want that the Government should take a decision and issue directions to all the Ministries for contribution of ten percent to the Department of North East Region (DoNER).”
Citing reason that all schemes approved by DoNER go to the allied ministries thus causing delay of work during implementation, he urged for the creation of an engineering wing in the department.
The Mon native made a mockery of the new Industrial Policy for the region. “Where there is no industry in the States, how and where is the Government going to implement the new Industrial Policy.”
He pushed for early implementation of work towards the revival of the Tuli Paper Mill.
Further, Wangyuh said the Centre’s decision to open a 500-bed girls’ hostel in Delhi University and a 500-bed hostel for working women from the North East should not lie stagnant on paper alone.
